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Mar 1, 1999 12:00 PM
Organisms that eat oil
Wix Filtration Products has come up with a safe, and different, way to dispose of waste motor oil found in used oil filters.
SafeOil's freeze-dried microbes literally come alive when they come in contact with water. The organisms eat all the oil residue, then die and turn into a white powdery residue that is environmentally safe for disposal.
To clean out an oil filter, simply drop SafeOil (sealed in a gel capsule) into the center hole of the filter and add water. Within three to four days, depending on humidity, the filter is ready for disposal. The company expects the product to be available by July, pending EPA, federal and state approval. Contact Wix Filtration Products Div., Dana Corp., Dept. FIN, Box 1967, Gastonia, NC 28053, 704/864-6711.
Repair and de-rust old gas tanks
Seal pinhole leaks and get rid of corrosive sediment in gas tanks with the Gas Tank Sealer system available from The Eastwood Company.
Using the system, you first eliminate all the fuel from the tank, wash it and remove varnish with Metal Wash; then you remove rust with purchased muriatic acid and pour in Rust Remover and 1 qt. of purchased acetone; finally, after the acetone dries the interior, add the sealer.
The sealer is a vinyl elastomer that forms a tough barrier that resists fuel additives and protects against corrosion. The complete process takes anywhere from one to several days to complete, depending on tank size and temperature (it is strongly suggested that you do this outside). Two kits are available to seal either a 5- or 20-gal. gas tank; they cost $25 and $35, respectively. Contact The Eastwood Co., Dept. FIN, Box 3014, Malvern, PA 19355, 800/345-1178.
Welder with a punch
For light welding with an all-in-one MIG welding package, the Millermatic Challenger 172 can meet your needs.
The portable welder weighs 80 lbs. and delivers a maximum output of 170 amps for welding materials up to 1/4-in. thick. It has a four-tap design that provides easy setup. The exclusive short-circuit protection design prevents internal components and contact tips from damage. The braking system accommodates 8-in. spools and can be adapted to handle 4-in. spools. The package includes a 61/2-ft. power cord with plug, 10-ft. 10A MIG gun and other accessories. Contact Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Dept. FIN, Box 629, Conyers, GA 30012, 800/426-4553.
Restore rusted surfaces
Spruce up your equipment or metal buildings by stopping rust and sealing out corrosion with the Rust Converter from Gempler's.
After the water-based liquid is brushed onto rusted steel or iron surfaces, it forms a protective black coating, which, after 48 hrs., can be painted with an oil-based paint.
Another new product, Rust Remover, can save your tools or parts by removing rust. Simply soak items in the nonhazardous solution and rust dissolves within a few days, according to the company. Contact Gempler's, Dept. FIN, Box 270, Belleville, WI 53508, 800/382-8473.
Leak sealer
Get a temporary, watertight seal with La-Co Industries' Krak-Stik sealant.
To repair pipes, drains, or stock, chemical, or fertilizer tanks, there is no need to drain the liquid: The sealer is applied by hand to the outside of the container or pipe. The product is safe to use indoors or out and comes in 21/2-oz. sticks. Contact La-Co Industries/Markel Co., Dept. FIN, 1201 Pratt Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, 847/956-3867.
Greasier, easier
Pull the trigger and get a continuous flow of grease with this air-operated grease gun, model 1160, from Lincoln Automotive.
An air motor design ensures consistent self-priming of the gun. Contact Lincoln Automotive, Dept. FIN, One Lincoln Way, Drawer 443316, St. Louis, MO 63120, 314/679-4300.
Soldering in the field
Add a handy, portable soldering iron to your toolbox for on-the-go field repairs.
The Antex MLXS-12 repair kit features a 25W soldering iron that connects with alligator clips to any 12v battery. It heats up to 800F in less than 2 min. and comes with 15 ft. of power cord to make reaching parts a bit easier. It's small enough to fit in a glove compartment and has a list price of $40. Contact M.M. Newman Corp., Dept. FIN, Box 615, Marblehead, MA 01945, 781/631-7100.
Hose repair kit
Repair air or water hoses, up to 300 psi, at the breakdown site with the portable HFC crip tool kit from Hosecomatic.
Each kit weighs only 6 lbs. and comes with a hose repair tool and a large assortment of fittings and collars. Three kits are available: #2000 is for 1/4- and 3/8-in. hoses; #1000 is for 1/2- through 3/4-in. repairs; and #3000 comes with both tools, 23 fittings and 52 collars. Kits start at $86.56 plus shipping. Contact Hosecomatic, Dept. FIN, 6000 S. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60638, 800/292-4673.
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